We look for students who bring quantitative strengths, a passion for finance and the ability to be successful in a specialized master's program. Applicants should have the following:

• An academic background demonstrating strong intellectual capacity
• Clear professional goals in the finance industry
• References that support your study and quantitative skills
• Solid English communication skills
• No work experience is required.

You must meet the minimum entrance requirements to apply for the Master's in Finance program.

• A B.S. or B.A. degree in a business-related field (finance, accounting, economics, etc.). Applicants are welcome from other fields, though additional coursework may be required in the summer prior to the program start.
• 4 year bachelor's degree program; or, 3 year bachelor's degree program plus 1-2 year master's diploma program with degree awarded (Check your country requirements on the UA Graduate College website)
• Minimum GPA: 3.00
• GMAT (or GRE) required.  Waivers available for students with a Finance, Accounting or STEM background and at least 3.3 GPA, or if you've taken and passed the FA Level 1 exam.
• Proof of English proficiency is required for international applicants who hold citizenship from a country where English is not an official language. (Check your country requirements on the UA Graduate College website)
• Complete online application packet with materials as detailed below.

• Apply Online
• Application Fee 

The UA Graduate College website includes all of the information you should need to know as a prospective graduate student at The University of Arizona. Full instructions and requirements are included in the online application. There is an additional page for international students:

• International Student Information 

• Affidavit of Domicile (Arizona residents complete with application)
• Financial Guarantee (international students)
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• 2 Letters of Reference: Names and contact information
• Transcripts from all colleges/universities, except UA (including grade key if grades not based on 4.0 scale)
• GMAT (or GRE) results (School Code 4832)
• Alternatives  to TOEFL (international students only; School Code 4832) accepted
  
  Special note: The GMAT requirement will be waived if an applicant has a degree in Finance, Accounting or STEM-degree with a 3.3 GPA or higher, CFA Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 exam, or is a CFA Charter Holder.

The statement of purpose is your chance to describe your academic and professional goals in finance. It is your personal expression of what has led you to desire to attend the program and can include life and academic experiences.

As you write your statement, ask yourself, "Would I likely admit this person to graduate school?" Statements are generally one to two typed, double-spaced pages and can be addressed to the Finance Department Admissions Committee.

Opening

In the opening statement, describe generally why you are applying to the program.

Body

In the main body of the statement, describe your experiences and how they are a foundation for your work in the Master's in Finance program, how your interest in finance developed, and your undergraduate studies relate to the MMF program. Any academic achievements or specific learning experiences that demonstrate your interest in master's level study and research of finance should be developed.

Your statement will ideally illustrate your initiative and ability to develop ideas, the capacity to work through problems independently, and the determination to achieve your goals. You should clearly and honestly convey that you are qualified and motivated. Describe why you will be successful in the Master's in Finance program, in the coursework, with the master's project and in working with the other student's in the program.

Closing

In closing, briefly summarize why you believe you possess the experience and skills to be admitted to the program.

The UA Graduate College has a package of information dedicated for international students. It can be found here: International Student Information.

The preferred application deadline for international applications is December 1, to allow time for visa processing, etc. However, international applications may still apply by the February 1 deadline.

For University of Arizona international undergraduates looking to continue their education in an Eller Graduate program—June 1 is your final application deadline.

Requirements

You will find UA Graduate College bachelor's degree requirements (English proficiency and Minimum Degree) by country at https://grad.arizona.edu/tools/intladmissionsreqs/.

You must meet the minimum entrance requirements described above to apply for the Master's in Finance program, including completing the online application.  

Information on Minimum Degrees 

Information on acceptable Proof of English Proficiency 

Information regarding Recognized Degrees and Transcripts and Degrees

Students without extensive finance or accounting (senior-level) coursework may be required to take prerequisite coursework in the summer prior to starting the MSF program. Courses are offered in two hybrid modules (online and in-class) through the Finance Department and Eller Executive Education (EEE) in the summer (starting in late May) prior to starting the Master's in Finance program.

Prerequisite requirements are determined by the Finance Department Admissions Committee based on an individual applicant’s background, work experience, transcript, and chosen track within the MSF program. For students who can take courses prior to applying, recommended prerequisite courses can include:

• ACCT200 taken at The UA within the last three years
• ACCT400C taken at The UA within the last two years
• FIN412 or equivalent
• FIN421 or equivalent

Please note that ACCT400C, FIN412 and FIN421 are open to Eller College finance majors only. All other students will be required to take the summer course module described below.

For students who have not met the prerequisite requirements as determined by the Finance Department Admissions Committee prior to applying to the MSF program, two online modules are offered through Eller Executive Education. These are non-credit courses so financial aid is not usually available.

The modules are:

• FINPREP1: Finance Preparation 1: Accounting and Statistics
  Starts the last Tuesday of May, ends before July 4 with exam
• FINPREP2: Finance Preparation 2: Finance
  Starts the first Monday of July, ends the second Monday of August with exam
• Review Exam and Case Study/Presentation on UA Campus, McClelland Hall
  As scheduled up to 14 days prior to the start of Fall semester

These modules are required for entering students who demonstrate strong quantitative skills but lack the background and terminology gained in an undergraduate finance program and need to develop these skills in finance prior to joining the program on campus.  These online courses are designed to give students the necessary proficiency to be on par with their peers beginning the MSF program at Eller.  Students are notified with their admissions decision as to whether they are required to take these prerequisite courses.